Being a beginner knitter, I started this one 5 times before I could keep going. I found that counting was really important for me, and I have charts galore. (I can make anything more difficult than it has to be!)

Did the full swatch before starting this (I’m so tired of making knits that don’t fit!!). Also, went up a full size for our 2 year old- knit a 4T-5T. Turned out SOOOO small! I hope it fits now, and doubt it will fit this winter, in a few months. Frustrating!!

Also- my mistake, started the ruching on the back an inch too low.

Will make this again, another size up, adding the info I discovered during this major learning curve of the pattern itself.